By Kevin Lavery/KWMU
St. Louis – The opening stage of the U.S. led war on Iraq is so far bringing no change to routine jet patrols over the St. Louis area.
Lt. Col. Kathleen Hancox is the executive officer of the 131st Fighter Wing of the Missouri Air National Guard based at Lambert Airport. Hancox says though the wing has received no word of any change in its air patrols, it is tightening access to its facilities.
"As far as security forces patrols, we have stepped up our security, we have increased the number of bodies on base, and that will be fairly obvious to the public," Hancox said.
The 131st Fighter Wing has about 200 members deployed overseas. Col. Hancox says if called to active duty, the remaining unit could fully deploy within 72 hours.
The wing is often seen flying F-15's over the region